During the hotter Portland summer months, air conditioning provides the cool comfort needed to beat the heat. Unfortunately, this is not possible if your air conditioner is not working properly. One indicator that there may be a problem is when the unit freezes. If the tubing or other components of the unit are covered in frost, your air conditioner becomes compromised and may not run properly.
An air conditioner may freeze for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to discover the cause in order for it to be fixed properly. Before doing so, however, allow the ice and frost melt by turning off the air conditioner. This may take a while. Read on to find out why your air conditioner may be freezing up and how to prevent or fix it.
Air filters and airflow
An air filter plays an essential role in air conditioning. The filter works to block dirt and airborne debris from entering your house through the air conditioning unit. This means they can get clogged with dirt quickly. It is important to change your filter regularly to ensure a quality airflow. Airflow is what sucks warm air in and pushes cool air out. When airflow is disrupted or not moving properly, humidity can settle on the coils, causing the unit to over-cool and freeze. Regularly replacing your air filter helps regulate the airflow.
Irregular refrigerant levels
The refrigerant is important for maintaining a regular temperature throughout the unit. It often relies on the right pressure to work properly, and when the pressure changes, it may start to act differently. Too low of a refrigerant level is known to cause air conditioners to freeze up. The best way to deal with this is to have your refrigerant levels checked by a professional.
Dirt in the drain
Air conditioners have a drainage system for the condensed water, but sometimes dirt or debris will clog up the system. When this happens, water begins to pool in the air conditioning unit and can freeze. Another freezing issue can arise from loose drain lines and pipes, leading water to leak and freeze. Be sure to perform routine checkups on your drain system to keep up with maintenance.
Call a Portland Air Conditioning Pro
Do you live in the Portland area and need help solving air conditioning issues, such as freezing over? Reach out to a Heat Relief professional at (503) 877-1713 for quality workmanship, customer service and comprehensive HVAC solutions.